Here in Southern California, the return of Halloween season at theme parks doesn’t just bring pumpkins and spooky overlays — it marks the start of a nonstop holiday rush that lasts until well into the new year. What used to be a slower time is now packed with crowds that rival the peak of summer.

So how do you take home photos that look like you had the park to yourself, when in reality, you were shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other guests? That’s where the art of creating the illusion of space comes in.

Here are some of my favorite tips:

✨ Be where the crowds aren’t.
At rope drop, most guests run straight for the headliner attractions. That leaves other areas — especially quiet corners or lands without big rides — wonderfully empty for a short window. Bonus: the lower morning sun creates softer, more flattering light than you’ll find at midday.

🍽 Target closed dining areas.
Restaurants don’t usually open until lunch, which means their surrounding seating areas are blissfully empty earlier in the day. Perfect for snagging serene shots before the crowds (and trays of food) show up.

🎭 Use parades and shows to your advantage.
While the masses gather along parade routes or theater entrances, wander into other sections of the park with your camera. These entertainment “magnets” leave pockets of the park quieter than usual.

🚪 Photograph entry areas midday.
Once the initial rush is inside and before guests start leaving in the afternoon, entrances and nearby shops are surprisingly empty. This is a great time to capture wide, uncluttered shots.

🌿 Let barriers work for you.
Railings, fences, lagoons, and planters create natural “people-free zones.” Frame your shot so those barriers form your foreground, ensuring no one can wander between you and your subject.

📸 Go wide.
A wide-angle lens not only fits more in the frame but can also push objects back visually, creating the impression of more open space — a trick often used in real estate photography.

👨‍👩‍👧 Strategically block crowds.
Place your family or friends in front of heavy traffic areas to obscure the people behind them. It keeps the focus on your group while still telling the story of where you are.

⬆️ Change your perspective.
Get low and let shrubs or planters hide background clutter. Or aim higher — shoot above heads, balconies, or stairways to crop out the sea of people altogether.

The result? Photos that emphasize the magic of your day instead of the stress of the crowds. Over time, the pictures help you remember the highlights — not the wait times.

Want more ways to capture unforgettable theme park photos? 📷
👉 Download my free guide here.